and discussing the protests in Egypt shed a bit of light on this group and its advisors.
Have to admit I did not really get the connection before even though it's readily available once I knew the terms went together.
I had heard Blair was "Mideast Peace Envoy" which always seemed off to me but didn't realize he was appointed that through this group.
So during this situation, two main people that were providing them input and advice were Tony Blair and Frank Wisner, who both have close ties to Mubarak.
Wisner's have been widely posted here.
And Blair seems to have previously enjoyed the same paid vacations courtesy of Mubarak that France's Prime Minister did:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/8312067/Egypt-French-prime-minister-enjoyed-free-holiday-courtesy-of-Mubarak.htmlTony Blair caused controversy when prime minister by accepting a Christmas holiday paid for by Mr Mubarak in 2001. Mr Blair, his wife Cherie and children Euan, Nicky, Kathryn and Leo, stayed at villas in Cairo and Sharm el-Sheikh. Accommodation and flights were provided by Mr Mubarak. In exchange, Mr Blair records that he made “donations” to a charity chosen by his hosts.
No surprise that they were advocating for Mubarak to stay in power.
Blair:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/02/tony-blair-mubarak-courageous-force-for-good-egyptWisner:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x366954#367776